Category: News

A huge thank you to all who came to the Graceland Upcountry Run and made this edition a huge success. Thank you to all who encouraged each other on the trail, danced the night away to the live band, brought along friends and guests, and supported Graceland Girls School with their passion for running. Running Is Living after all 🙂 If you have any photos from the event, please share them with the MC on Whatsapp +33615209676 and if you want to share a write-up of your experiences you can also reach out! Thank you to Wachira Nderitu for spearheading this run and inviting the Swaras. A number of other clubs were also present, including our brothers and sisters of the Nyeri Blazers. Well done to all! Check out some awesome photo highlights here: https://sway.office.com/zna08gVFxXx6TxeG?ref=Link
As we approach Kilimanjaro Marathon, let’s have one more big run before then, from The Shed, in Mwimuto/Kitusuru. We can all have breakfast together afterwards (their breakfast is famously good value for money) and gear ourselves up for Kili! Full details and link to register here: https://sway.office.com/zna08gVFxXx6TxeG?ref=Link

Speed work!
Speed work is back! The next session is happening this Thursday, from 5.30pm at Impala Club, on Ngong Road. This is open to all members, no need to register. You pay 100ksh entry fee directly to Impala Club (be sure to come with m pesa for this). Wear your Swara t shirt, and if you don’t have one, talk to Davis on the day!

New members
If ever anyone asks you ‘how do I become a member?’ then here is the newly refreshed link to send them where they can do everything to become a member right there and then and start running with us! https://urbanswaras.co.ke/new-members/

#RaceToKili

We already knew that Ngong has some stunning trails, and beautiful views, but we didn’t know these specific ones until Saturday. Thanks to all who came for the Ngong Matasia run, we hope you enjoyed the run! See some photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/IuwdhnURdFlymDY4?ref=Link

This Saturday we are heading to Graceland for the Annual Graceland Upcountry Run. There are still a handful of spaces left for this run, so hit reply to this message and let us know if you want to attend, and which distance you want to do (30km or 55km). For those not attending, we invite you all to run in the marked trails of Karura Forest. Full details in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/IuwdhnURdFlymDY4?ref=Link

Kili Marathon

We are working on ensuring your Kilimanjaro Marathon bibs can be collected in Moshi before the marathon, and dropped at your hotel (Lutheran or Kilimanjaro Safaris Lodge), and if you’re not staying in Swara accommodation they will be dropped at Lutheran so you can collect them from there. We have had some cancelations so if you would like to stay in Swara accommodation please reply to this message. If you still require accommodation you can book directly with Golden View Hotel who will require a deposit. Whatsapp them: +255 688 883 266. Ensure you book your transport with Kibo Slopes Safari if you want to travel with the Swara group. The cost is 3,400ksh to Till number 593140 (Kibo Slopes Safaris ltd) and then follow up with a call or message to them at +254 722 506061 letting them know your name, your desired travel dates, and state explicitly that you are with the Urban Swaras Running Club group.

Speed work!

Speed work is back! The next session is happening this Thursday, from 5.30pm at Impala Club, on Ngong Road. This is open to all members, no need to register. You pay 100ksh entry fee directly to Impala Club (be sure to come with m pesa for this). Wear your Swara t shirt, and if you don’t have one, talk to Davis on the day!

#AmazingGraceland

WHAT A RUN!!?? Right?! Anyone who disagrees, file an official letter of complaint to the Trail Queen and Trail Fox but all I can imagine you would have to complain about is that it was too awesome 🙂 Tea fields, trail, hills, hiking, post-run activities, perfectly glorious warm weather, and so many amazing runners coming together for a good run and a good time. See the Starting Line for some awesome photo highlights of the Kereita run from The Forest: https://sway.office.com/fXaCVgB4Aj7ChGHG?ref=Link

This coming Saturday we’re headed to Ngong to go loopy around the Matasia Loop in Kahara. See the Starting Line for full details and to register: https://sway.office.com/fXaCVgB4Aj7ChGHG?ref=Link

Graceland

If anyone still wants to register for Graceland Run on 12th February, for either the 30km or 55km, please reach out with your name and chosen number to clairesimonebaker@gmail.com / call/SMS 0792 745 372 / Whatsapp +33615209676

Kili Marathon – PLEASE READ

Our accommodation is now all full. If you still require accommodation you can book directly with Golden View Hotel who will require a deposit. Whatsapp them: +255 688 883 266 to book. Also a friendly reminder to register for the marathon right away, registration closes oon! If you are planning to come with the Swara group (use the grouped shuttle option and/or Swara accommodation and/or bib collection) please fill out this form, and ensure you fill out all sections by tomorrow. If you do not share these details by tomorrow we will not be able to collect your bibs and you will have to collect your own bibs. We are overwhelmed with how many people are going to Kili, so please help us with logistics by providing all required information, and by reading through all the updates provided in Swara communication. Remember, This form must be completed by next Tuesday 1st February: https://forms.gle/EBjxnq86Foaq38DL6

Speed work!

Speed work is back! The next session is happening this Thursday, from 5.30pm at Impala Club, on Ngong Road. This is open to all members, no need to register. You pay 100ksh entry fee directly to Impala Club (be sure to come with m pesa for this). Wear your Swara t shirt, and if you don’t have one, talk to Davis on the day!

#LoopTheLoop

Two days ago we ran from Kasuku Centre, Kileleshwa, and we had a huge turnout, with a great ambience and many new members! Thanks to you all for making it a great run. Please do remember that registering for a Saturday run in advance helps us with our planning as a volunteer-run club, so please remember to register in advance if you plan on coming for a run. Some photos from Saturday and details of the upcoming run here: https://sway.office.com/Ms7GNgXVn8004pWH?ref=Link

This coming Saturday we are not heading to ‘A’ forest we are heading to ‘The Forest’, the adventure venue and beautiful land of rolling halls in Kereita, on the road to Naivasha. Please note the slightly later start time and advance payment required, full details in the Starting Line. Also the directions should be studied carefully or Google Maps may misdirect you. This run has severally been nicknamed ‘more of a hike than a run’ and ‘one of the most beautiful runs in the Swara calendar’ so I don’t think you want to miss it. You can make a day of it with ziplining, cycling, archery, and nature trails. Check out full details in the Starting Line and register right away! https://sway.office.com/Ms7GNgXVn8004pWH?ref=Link

Kili Marathon

Our second hotel is almost full, so if you want accommodation, please let me know immediately by email or Whatsapp or text: clairesimonebaker@gmail.com / SMS 0792 745372 / Whatsapp +33615209676. Also a friendly reminder to register for the marathon right away! If you are planning to come with the Swara group (use the grouped shuttle option and/or Swara accommodation and/or bib collection) please fill out this form, and ensure you fill out all sections. We are overwhelmed with how many people are going to Kili, so please help us with logistics by providing all required information, and by reading through all the updates provided in Swara communication. This form must be completed by next Tuesday 1st February: https://forms.gle/EBjxnq86Foaq38DL6

Speed work!

Speed work is back! We had our first session last Thursday, with Davis putting us through our paces. The second session is happening this Thursday, from 5.30pm at Impala Club, on Ngong Road. This is open to all members, no need to register. You pay 100ksh entry fee directly to Impala Club (be sure to come with m pesa for this). Wear your Swara t shirt, and if you don’t have one, talk to Davis on the day!

#NotJustAnyForest

We were warmly welcomed by Leleshwa Getaway on Saturday, for a beautiful run across the Kitengela Plains with views of the Nairobi National Park and some animal sightings, including a camel (yes you heard that right)!!! See that photo and other highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/jvuMnKGH86xjcE48?ref=Link

Welcome to all of our new members, we’re excited to run with you in 2022 and get to know you all more. Remember, the club is open to all: new members, guests, new runners, seasoned runners looking for a more social running outlet, you name it! We welcome you all, and encourage everyone to make friends, find people that have a similar pace, or share contacts, breakfast, and a moment. We’re a club after all 🙂

Next week’s run, on Saturday 22nd January, is from Kasuku Centre, Kileleshwa, for a majority tarmac run. This is great prep for those going to KIlimanjaro Marathon next month. There will be a 5km trail for beginners, so be sure to invite some friends along! Speaking of which, find more logistics updates for the marathon below. Full info and link to register here: https://sway.office.com/jvuMnKGH86xjcE48?ref=Link

Kili Marathon

The 20 rooms we have booked for Swaras at Lutheran are now full. We have a few rooms at Kilimanjaro Safaris Lodge. If you plan to attend and would like to book a room, please email/text the MC right away: clairesimonebaker@gmail.com / SMS 0792 745372 / Whatsapp +33615209676 to pre-book. Also a friendly reminder to register for the marathon – early bird slots are open. We are hoping to coordinate travel and bib pickup as a club, though this is subject to it being considered safe and prudent to travel given the COVID situation in both Kenya and Tanzania. For your transport, please book directly with Impala Shuttle, and tell them very explicitly that you are with Urban Swaras Running Club party (very important). Please send me a message (email/text/Whatsapp using the details above) when you have booked your transport. Return trip is 3400ksh, Buy Good till number for Impala Shuttle is 593140 and the number to call to confirm directly with Impala Shuttle is +254 722 506061.

Speed work!

Speed work is back, for a trial run (no pun intended). Starting this Thursday, from 5.30pm at Impala Club, on Ngong Road. Your trainer will be Davis Munene. This is open to all members, no need to register. You pay 100ksh entry fee directly to Impala Club (be sure to come with m pesa for this). Wear your Swara t shirt, and if you don’t have one, talk to Davis on the day!

#KileToKili

Dear Swaras,

We certainly kicked off the year in style! We took over the streets of Karen, and I’m sure many of you were surprised to discover hills of Karen that you never knew existed (I certainly was). The best bit of the run? The team spirit that was evident in runners helping each other, people sharing training tips, and keeping pace with each other when times got tough. It’s always a beautiful thing to see. Welcome to all of our new members, we’re excited to run with you in 2022 and get to know you all more. Remember, the club is open to all: new members, guests, new runners, seasoned runners looking for a more social running outlet, you name it! We welcome you all, and encourage everyone to make friends, find people that have a similar pace, or share contacts, breakfast, and a moment. We’re a club after all 🙂 See some highlights and a word from the treasurer in this week’s Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/sUdc5qYc9FX5XUVp?ref=Link

Next week’s run, on Saturday 15th January, is from Leleshwa Getaway, a beautiful venue on Kitengela Plains, with views of the national park and Nairobi’s skyline. We encourage everyone to bring a hydration pack or refillable bottle as it can get quite hot. The venue has a pool and a lovely bar and restaurant, so feel free to make a day of it! Kitengela Glass is close by, and the area is peaceful and a lovely day trip. Full details and link to register in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/sUdc5qYc9FX5XUVp?ref=Link

Kili Marathon

The 20 rooms we have booked for Swaras are almost full! If you plan to attend and would like to book a room, please email/text the MC right away: clairesimonebaker@gmail.com / SMS 0792 745372 / Whatsapp +33615209676 to pre-book. Also a friendly reminder to register for the marathon – early bird slots are open. We are hoping to coordinate travel and bib pickup as a club, though this is subject to it being considered safe and prudent to travel given the COVID situation in both Kenya and Tanzania: https://www.kilimanjaromarathon.com/2022-entries/ We will be in touch about bib collection and transport in the coming weeks.

#GetawayFromItAll

Happy New Running Year to each and every one of you! It’s not just a new year but a chance to set your running intentions for the year, and what better way than to kick things off with our first big run of the year! Tradition dictates that we start the year off in Karen, and so the venue for this Saturday’s run is Elevel Lounge, off Ngong Road, Karen We will have a special beginner’s 5km trail for those looking to get into a running club for the first time, so invite your friends who have been too shy to join us before, or your colleague or neighbour who’s keen to take their running to the next level – this run is the perfect introduction to the running world, as it will be reasonably flat with mostly tarmac.

See the Starting Line for full details on this Saturday’s Karen run and to register: https://sway.office.com/2DmTNH5TLixPVU82?ref=Link

Kili Marathon

We have booked 20 rooms at Lutheran Guest House in Moshi for Swaras planning to attend the Kilimanjaro Marathon on Sunday 27th February 2022. If you plan to attend and would like to book a room, please email/text the MC: clairesimonebaker@gmail.com / SMS 0792 745372 / Whatsapp +33615209676 to pre-book. Also a friendly reminder to register for the marathon – early bird slots are open. We are hoping to coordinate travel and bib pickup as a club, though this is subject to it being considered safe and prudent to travel given the COVID situation in both Kenya and Tanzania: https://www.kilimanjaromarathon.com/2022-entries/

#NewRunningYear

Dear Swaras, 

Happy holidays to all! I hope you’re all having a wonderful festive season, and still staying healthy and active despite all the necessary indulgences 🙂

Our next run is on New Year’s Day, a perfect way to kickstart the new year! We will be at Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary, on Ngong Road. Come and start the new year in style! Full details in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/VFtzJodJCOb8neyH?ref=Link

Kili Marathon

Also a friendly reminder to register for Kilimanjaro Marathon 2022 – early bird slots are open. We are hoping to coordinate travel and accommodation as a club, though this is subject to it being considered safe and prudent to travel given the COVID situation in both Kenya and Tanzania: https://www.kilimanjaromarathon.com/2022-entries/

#NewRunningYear

Dear Swaras,
What a great run we had from Arboretum in Kileleshwa! Thanks to all who showed up and brought festive cheer and running legs. Remember to keep active and safe this holiday season, we want you back on the trails in January! Our last run of the year is in Karura Forest, and because the Trail Fox is getting a well deserved day off, we encourage you all to use the signposted trails, on both the Karura Forest side and the Sigiria Forest side (just across the road on Limuru Road from the main entrance). There are marked trails of between 5,10 and 15km, so have some fun and make your own run! Be sure to post your running photos this holiday season on the Whatsapp group, or tag us on Facebook or Instagram. See some photos from Saturday in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/a45zk5mrT7flMgnD?ref=Link

If you would like to show your appreciation to the Trail Fox (Benjamin Chikani) you can send a holiday contribution to the Treasurer and follow up with an SMS saying it’s for the Trail Fox. Deadline for this is end of Wednesday 22nd December.

This coming Saturday we will be running from Karura Forest, for our last run of the year. Full details in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/a45zk5mrT7flMgnD?ref=Link

USRC Newsletter

Just in case you missed it, the mysterious Urban Swaras Newsletter Editor is calling out for articles, thought pieces, photo narratives, and anything else you might have to offer for the next edition of the newsletter!

We would like to hear it all–the good, the bad, the ugly. Look, we don’t discriminate, so any story is welcome. It would be great to hear from you before Christmas through usrc.editor@gmail.com. 

Kili Marathon

Also a friendly reminder to register for Kilimanjaro Marathon 2022 – early bird slots are open. We are hoping to coordinate travel and accommodation as a club, though this is subject to it being considered safe and prudent to travel given the COVID situation in both Kenya and Tanzania: https://www.kilimanjaromarathon.com/2022-entries/

#HappyHolidays

Dear Swaras,

This Saturday we had absolutely perfect running weather for our Ambo Gardens run – cloudy sky, smatterings of drizzle, ending in a gloriously sunny day to enjoy the lovely gardens in the venue’s name! Rumour has it some Swaras didn’t want to leave weeeell after the run was over and done with 😉 A perfect urban run it was, crossing some major roads to find quiet residential areas that many of us never even knew existed. Well done as always to our Trail Fox Benja for marking such splendid trails, and for finishing the year as strongly as he started it! If you would like to show your appreciation to the Trail Fox (Benjamin Chikani) you can send a holiday contribution to the Treasurer and follow up with an SMS saying it’s for the Trail Fox. See some photo highlights from Ambo Gardens in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/AOdtI0IHgVzj8y5w?ref=Link

This coming Saturday we will be running from Arboretum, for our penultimate run of the year. Please note that for the month of December we will be having town runs only (urban runs). Find full details in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/AOdtI0IHgVzj8y5w?ref=Link

Just in case you missed it, the mysterious Urban Swaras Newsletter Editor is calling out for articles, thought pieces, photo narratives, and anything else you might have to offer for the next edition of the newsletter! Find their message below.

So here’s the deal: the year is almost over, and we are dying to hear about your running exploits (not necessarily from this year alone).  

• Did you fall off the wagon? Do tell!
• Did you recently pick up running? Oooh, this is exciting; please tell us how it’s going.
• Have you smashed any PBs? Please indulge us. 
• Do you have any running woes? You know, we are human too, let’s share the sufferation.
• New Swaras, how was your first run with us?
• We know runners are a crazy bunch, and no challenge is off-limits. Which ones have you done/are you currently on?
• We’d also love to hear about international runs in this Covid era. 
• As always, we adore before and after stories; please send them through.

We would like to hear it all–the good, the bad, the ugly. Look, we don’t discriminate, so any story is welcome. It would be great to hear from you before Christmas through usrc.editor@gmail.com. 

#RunningAroundTheChristmasTree